Tourism brings millions in revenue to Randolph County

Tourism continues to be a bright spot in Randolph County’s economic picture.

A study for the N.C. of Tourism, Film and Sports Development shows that domestic tourism in Randolph County generated an economic impact of $120.28 million in 2012, a 4.2 percent change from 2011.

The statistics are from the “2012 Economic Impact Of Travel On North Carolina Counties.” The study was prepared for the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development by the U.S. Travel Association.

In 2012, Randolph County ranked 34 in travel impact among North Carolina’s 100 counties. The study shows that more than 900 jobs in Randolph County were directly attributable to travel and tourism and travel generated a $17.64 million payroll in 2012.

The impact is felt in county coffers, as well. State and local tax revenues from travel to Randolph County amounted to $8.98 million. That number represents a $62.98 tax saving to each county resident.

Tourism is one of North Carolina’s largest industries. Gov. Pat McCrory announced in May that visitors to North Carolina spent a record $19.4 billion in 2012, an increase of 5.4 percent from 2011, and a record high visitor spending figure. Domestic tourism expenditures directly supported 193,610 jobs for North Carolina residents, up 3 percent from 2011.

Approximately 82.7 percent of overnight visitors to North Carolina reported that they were visiting for leisure purposes. Business travelers, an important sector for Randolph County, accounted for 15.3 percent of overnight visitors statewide in 2011. Business includes meetings and conventions.

The tourism industry contributed $4.4 billion to the state’s payroll in 2012. Traveler spending generated more than $2.9 billion in tax receipts ($1.4 billion in federal, $970.4 million in state and $579.4 million in local tax revenue).

North Carolina ranks sixth in total person-trip volume by state behind California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania.